The official minutes of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees are maintained
by the Secretary of the Board. Certified copies of minutes may be requested by contacting the
Board of Trustees’ Office at trustees@sc.edu. Electronic or other copies of original minutes are
not official Board of Trustees' documents.
University of South Carolina
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Student-Trustee Liaison Committee
April 24, 2015
The Student-Trustee Liaison Committee of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met
at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 24, 2015, in the 1600 Hampton Street Board Room.
Members present were: Mr. A. C. “Bubba” Fennell, Chairman; Mr. Chuck Allen; Ms. Paula Harper
Bethea; Mr. J. Egerton Burroughs; Mr. Thomas C. Cofield; Ms. Leah B. Moody; Dr. C. Dorn Smith III;
Mr. Eugene P. Warr, Board Chairman; and Mr. John C. von Lehe, Jr., Board Vice Chairman.
Other Board members present were: Mr. Mark W. Buyck, Jr.; Mr. William W. Jones, Jr.; Mr. Toney
J. Lister; Mr. Miles Loadholt; Mr. Hubert F. Mobley; Mr. Thad H. Westbrook; Mr. Mack I. Whittle, Jr.; and
Mr. Charles H. Williams.
Others present were: President Harris Pastides; Secretary Amy E. Stone; General Counsel Walter
“Terry” H. Parham; Interim Provost Helen Doerpinghaus; Vice President for Student Affairs Dennis A.
Pruitt; Chief Operating Officer Edward L. Walton; Chief Financial Officer Leslie Brunelli; Vice President
for Information Technology William F. Hogue; Chief Communications Officer Wes Hickman; Athletics
Director Ray Tanner; USC Aiken Chancellor Sandra Jordan; Palmetto College Chancellor Susan Elkins;
USC Lancaster Dean Walter Collins; USC Salkehatchie Dean Ann C. Carmichael; USC Sumter Dean
Michael Sonntag; USC Union Dean Alice Taylor-Colbert; Palmetto College Dean of Extended University
and Associate Provost Chris Nesmith; Executive Director for the Office of Economic Engagement
William D. “Bill” Kirkland; Senior Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies Lacy Ford; Associate
Director of Strategic Planning and Assessment Cameron Howell; Associate Vice President for Student
Affairs and Academic Support, USC Columbia, Jerry Brewer; College of Arts and Sciences Dean Mary
Anne Fitzpatrick; Executive Director of Audit & Advisory Services Pam Doran; Director of Facilities
Planning and Programming and University Architect Derek S. Gruner; Chief of Staff, President’s Office, J.
Cantey Heath, Jr.; Chief Diversity Officer John H. Dozier; Trustee Emertus Herbert C. Adams; USC
Columbia Student Government President Jonathan Kaufman; University Technology Services Production
Manager Matt Warthen; and Board staff members Debra Allen and Terri Saxon.
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Student Government Association (SGA) representatives present were: USC Lancaster: President
Brandon Newton, Vice President Morgan Humphries, and Secretary/Treasurer Allison Hyman; USC
Salkehatchie: President Bryce Mobley; USC Sumter: President Janelle Buniel, future President Kensey
Stephens and future SGA Officer Alexis Martin; USC Union: President Candice Owens and PresidentElect Alana Wright; Palmetto College: Online student Clark Dean.
The Student Government Association advisors present included: Associate Dean for Student
Services, USC Salkehatchie, Jane T. Brewer; Biology Lab Instructor, USC Sumter, Daniel Kiernan;
Enrollment Manager, USC Union, M. Brad Greer.
I.
Call to Order
Chairman Fennell called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone and invited them to
introduce themselves. He said that the agenda had been posted, the press notified as required by the
Freedom of Information Act, the agenda had been circulated to committee members and a quorum was
present to conduct business.
Chairman Fennell called on Mr. Hickman, who introduced Benjamin Crawford, Hannah Jeffrey and
Lauren Shirley with the Daily Gamecock; and Jamie Self with The State.
II.
Panel Discussion: Student Government Leaders, Two-Year Campuses
Chairman Fennell stated that the Student-Trustee Liaison Committee began operating under
a different format last year in hopes of continuing to provide an even more meaningful experience for
student government leaders. Recognizing that topics of interest vary from campus to campus, meetings
were scheduled to allow increased emphasis for both the two-year campuses and four-year campuses.
Chairman Fennell welcomed the four SGA presidents from the two-year campuses and a
representative from Palmetto College to participate in a panel discussion related to topics of interest on
their campuses. Chancellor Elkins led the panel discussion.
First, Chancellor Elkins thanked the student government representatives for their continued
leadership. Then, she asked the campus advisors and deans to stand and be recognized for their
outstanding leadership in working with students on a daily basis and for their dedication and commitment
to serving students in their communities and across the State.
Chancellor Elkins said that the Palmetto College mission was to provide USC bachelor degrees that
were accessible, affordable, and flexible for all South Carolinians.
She asked each panel participant to address the following topics.
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•
Where did you attend high school, why did you select your USC campus, then give your
course major, and your plans for after you earn your undergraduate degree.
Each panelist began by thanking the committee for the invitation to be part of the discussion
panel. Mr. Brandon Newton from Lancaster, South Carolina, said that although he was accepted at USC
Columbia and other state institutions he chose USC Lancaster because of its affordability. He will be able
to transition from USC Lancaster to Palmetto College in order to graduate with a Bachelor of Liberal
Studies (BLS) and a Bachelor of Organizational Leadership (BOL), with no student loan debt. As a USC
Lancaster student he is able to live at home, which allows him the opportunity to be active in the
community. In addition to numerous community endeavors, he was recently elected chairman of the
Lancaster County Republican Party, making him the youngest chairman in the state.
Mr. Bryce Mobley from Walterboro, South Carolina, said that he loved USC Salkehatchie because
of the accessibility to the faculty and staff; and the affordability. He said that his first two years as a
computer science major would be paid through Palmetto College scholarships. With his degree, he hoped
to become a web designer, and he had already had opportunities in that field through his campus
experiences.
Ms. Janelle Buniel, from Sumter, South Carolina, said that although she did not originally plan to
attend USC Sumter, she followed her parents’ advice to take advantage of its affordability. However, once
she began attending classes and became involved in campus life, she fell in love with USC Sumter.
Therefore, she set out to change the stigma that two-year campuses were a “stepping stone, or a backup
plan.” She became involved in campus programs to encourage and support students, which led her to her
leadership role in student government. Ms. Buniel said that she will be able to graduate from USC Sumter
without student load debt and hopes to attend USC Columbia to further her education.
Mrs. Candice Owens said that she was not a traditional student having been married for 22 years
and the mother of two children. She said that after being in the workforce for a long time she wanted to
better her life. She enrolled at USC Union because of its affordability and accessibility to allow her to
pursue her education, while still being a wife and mother. Following her graduation in May 2015, with a
BLS degree, she plans to work with children to encourage them in their future endeavors.
Mr. Clark Dean said that the pursuit of his education had been a journey. He enrolled as a
freshman at USC Columbia in Fall 2010. However, numerous non-academic student life experiences
found him unable to graduate after four years. His parents stopped funding his education and he was
forced to work. A co-worker encouraged him to pursue Palmetto College to complete his degree. He said
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that he was so blessed and thankful for the opportunities available to him through Palmetto College. He
hopes to graduate in May 2016, with a BLS and a BOL degree.
Chairman Fennell took a moment to recognize Mr. Dean’s grandfather, Trustee Emeritus Herbert
Adams.
Based on their responses to the opening question Chancellor Elkins said that she was sure Trustees
could see why she was so proud of the five students representing Palmetto College. She then called on the
panel in reverse order for the second topic.
•
Tell us a couple of the most exciting things happening on your individual campuses.
Mr. Dean said that as an online student he did not expect a human aspect to his studies.
However, he was pleasantly surprised by the insight he had gained through online discussions with
students from different backgrounds and by the group study opportunities.
Mrs. Owens said the new student lounge and bookstore located on Main Street in Union had
improved accessibility for students and the community. She reported on plans that were underway for a
fall celebration of USC Union’s 50th Anniversary. Ms. Owens also discussed the positive impact of the
ongoing campus beautification project.
Ms. Buniel said that the recent campus WiFi upgrade made online connection more accessible for
students, especially those who use e-books. USC Sumter plans to add a tennis team starting in Fall 2015.
She reported on campus beautification and renovation projects. The SGA had organized a program titled
“Breakfast with the Dean” to improve communication between students, faculty and staff. Ms. Buniel
said that it had been well received.
Mr. Mobley reported on recent events held in honor of USC Salkehatchie’s 50th Anniversary. Just
as exciting, he said, was the men’s basketball team finishing 2nd in Region X, and Coach Corey Hendren
being named “Coach of the Year” for the region. Coach Hendren is currently the youngest college
basketball coach in the nation. Also, USC Salkehatchie Professor Eran Kilpatrick received the Palmetto
College John. J. Duffy “Excellence in Teaching” award.
Mr. Newton said that Lancaster County’s designation this year as the fastest growing county in
South Carolina had positive effects on the campus. The Native American Studies Center on Main Street in
Lancaster, one of only a few in the nation, continued to draw visitors from around the world. Efforts were
underway to develop a Native American component in the BOL degree. Mr. Newton proudly noted that
25 of the 56 BLS and BOL degree candidates for May 2015, were from USC Lancaster; and that five of
those students would graduate with Leadership Distinction.
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He said that the addition of a girls’ volleyball team in Fall 2015, would bring the total number of
sports programs offered at USC Lancaster to five.
Mr. Newton said that as part of the travel study program, a biology class is scheduled to sail down
the Outer Banks this summer. He added that he wished he was a biology major, so that he could
participate. USC Lancaster will offer a four-year bridge program for a Hospitality, Retail and Sports
Management degree, beginning in Fall 2015.
At this point in the meeting Chancellor Elkins displayed a map designating the location of all eight
USC campuses.
•
What advice would you give to freshman who are just starting their college experience at
your campus?
Mr. Newton said he would tell freshmen to consider their post-graduation plans by first
deciding on a career path; then work toward it through academic study and internships. Also, he would
advise them to be aware of their student loan debt in relation to their earning potential, in order to repay
the debt.
Mr. Mobley recommended freshmen take full advantage of faculty and staff expertise and guidance;
especially those like him, who juggle their time between classes, study and a job. He would advise students
to take it slow, so that in addition to their studies, they could enjoy their college experience.
Ms. Buniel said that she would stress the importance of setting a good grade point average (GPA)
from the start. She said it was easier to maintain a high GPA, than to bring up a GPA in a junior or senior
year in preparation for graduate school. Ms. Buniel recommended that students, in addition to their
academic studies, get involved in campus life through clubs, programs and activities for a full college
experience.
Ms. Buniel said she was scheduled to graduate in May with Leadership Distinction, the first
graduate from USC Sumter to do so. However, as part of this honor, she had to leave the meeting to give
a presentation at Discovery Day, which was being held elsewhere on the Columbia campus. She thanked
the committee for the opportunity to participate in the panel.
Mrs. Owens had several recommendations. First she said, she would advise freshmen to find their
passion, then, work toward it by getting involved in classes and campus life. Secondly, she would stress the
importance of utilizing the guidance and support of the faculty and staff.
Mr. Dean said he would tell freshmen to “find a balance” between academics and campus life and
to stay focused on achieving their degree.
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•
If you were Dr. Pastides and a donor gave you an extremely large gift to use as you
determined, how would you spend it? Would you build or renovate academic buildings?
Would you upgrade your library or technology services? Would you provide more merit
scholarships or more financial aid for needy students? How would you spend the money?
Mr. Clark said that based on his positive experiences with Palmetto College, he would put
the money toward additional scholarships for in-state students to obtain a four-year degree.
Mrs. Owen agreed with Mr. Clark. She added that the opportunity to earn an affordable four-year
degree through Palmetto College, while remaining at home in a small community, had been life changing
for her. At 46, she will be the first member of her family to graduate from college; and she herself will do
so with three degrees.
USC Sumter’s future SGA President, Kensey Stephens, having joined the panel upon Ms. Buniel’s
departure, recommended the money be used to renovate the science building on her campus. Ms.
Stephens said that USC Sumter had excellent professors; however, the facility and equipment were in much
need of an update. Providing a state-of- the-art facility, she said, would enhance the “hands-on”
experience for science students.
Mr. Mobley recommended the money be used to update USC Salkehatchie technology centers,
renovate buildings, and add more four-year degree options. He said that building renovations would
provide additional classroom space to accommodate new degree programs. Mr. Mobley noted that as the
first member of his family to graduate from college and having had a positive experience through Palmetto
College, he was encouraging his father to apply, since he could earn a degree while still working full time.
Mr. Newton said he felt sure Trustee Mobley and Dean Collins would want him to recommend the
money be used for a new roof on Hubbard Hall. Luckily, that project is included in a bond bill to be
considered by the South Carolina Senate. He encouraged Trustees to contact their senators in support of
the bill. Should the bond bill be approved, he would use the money to create a new entrance to USC
Lancaster, off Highway 521.
Chancellor Elkins thanked the five panelists for an excellent job representing the over 5,000
students in Palmetto College; and for their continued leadership and support.
Chairman Fennell thanked the students for their insightful discussion.
III.
Focusing on the Student Experience
Chairman Fennell called on Dr. Pruitt, who shared his insights about President Pastides’
Focus Group on the Student Experience. He explained that President Pastides commissioned the focus
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group under Dr. Pruitt’s leadership to examine issues related to student life with the goal of producing a
document to help create a more positive student experience. The focus group’s mission is to address
topics such as hazing, alcohol and drug abuse, campus sexual assault, diversity and inclusion, harassment
and discrimination. Dr. Pruitt noted, however, that in response to state and national hazing incidents, the
Board of Trustees had proactively passed a resolution at its February 20, 2015, meeting that condemned
hazing.
Dr. Pruitt said, in summary, the goal of this effort was to “better educate students about their
responsibility to comply with the law and campus standards and to clearly state to each student their shared
responsibility to prevent harm to themselves and to others as well.” He said he would provide an update
on the Focus Group efforts at a later Board meeting.
Dr. Pruitt concluded his presentation by applauding the student panel for its positive leadership as
representatives of the University.
IV.
Other Matters
Chairman Fennell called for any other matters to come before the committee. Mr. Buyck
asked if Palmetto College’s enrollment of over 5,000 was included in the system enrollment. He then
asked the number of students enrolled in the system; Dr. Pruitt responded over 47,000.
Ms. Bethea commended the students for a remarkable job participating in the panel discussion. She
also stressed the importance of Palmetto College. She said that not only does the University have
campuses in communities; but, “in many instances our campuses are those communities.”
V.
Adjournment
There being no other business to come before the committee, Chairman Fennell declared
the meeting adjourned at 12:28 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy E. Stone
Secretary
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